ABC is “expected to announce in early September” that Fox NFL analyst Michael Strahan "will take over" as the co-host of "Live!" alongside Kelly Ripa, according to sources cited by Ben Grossman of BROADCASTING & CABLE. When he “assumes the new role, Strahan is expected to remain in his role" with "Fox NFL Sunday.” The ABC morning show has been “without a permanent sidekick" for Ripa since Regis Philbin left the show in late '11 (BROADCASTINGCABLE.com, 8/21). In N.Y., Michael Starr writes out of the “many guest co-anchors who subbed following Philbin’s departure, Strahan logged the most appearances opposite Ripa” (N.Y. POST, 8/22). Also in N.Y., David Hinckley writes, “The long-time Giants defensive end and future football Hall of Famer just might be the best choice. Not the most obvious. Just the best.” Because Strahan played football, “that doesn’t mean he’s a dumb jock.” He also has “a disarming ease about him.” Strahan is "bright enough to comment intelligently on the world, quick enough to throw out a bemused one-liner and smart enough to realize that he doesn’t have to dominate this show to win the game” (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 8/22).
MOVING DAY? Strahan and his fiancée Nicole Murphy put their Hermosa Beach, Calif., town home on the market for $1.8M. Strahan in '05 bought the property for $2.2M (LATIMES.com, 8/21)
